The Best Private Schools in Crawfordville, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crawfordville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Community Leadership Academy
Independent Christian School
Community Leadership Academy is a highly-rated private Christian school that serves families throughout the Big Bend region, including Crawfordville. Founded in 2008, the school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on academic excellence and leadership development. The curriculum includes advanced college preparatory courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive STEM programs. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized instruction, and character development within a Christian environment. Facilities include modern technology integration, science laboratories, and athletic programs. The school maintains strong college placement records and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Maclay School
Independent School
Maclay School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Tallahassee area, including Crawfordville families. Established in 1968, Maclay offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 100-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Academic programs emphasize rigorous college preparation with 24 Advanced Placement courses, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Independent Schools.
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Holy Comforter Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Florida
Holy Comforter Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, with many Crawfordville families choosing this option for its strong academic foundation and values-based education. The school combines rigorous academics with character development through its classical education model. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and STEM education while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. As an Episcopal school, it welcomes students of all faiths while incorporating moral and ethical education. The school is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crawfordville, Florida
What are the primary private school options for families living in Crawfordville, Florida, and are they located in Crawfordville or nearby?
While Crawfordville itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look to neighboring Tallahassee for established institutions. The top schools often considered include Maclay School (a PreK-12 independent college preparatory school), Holy Comforter Episcopal School (a PreK-8 Episcopal school), and Community Leadership Academy (a K-12 Christian school). It's important to note that these schools are located in Tallahassee, requiring a commute from Crawfordville of approximately 20-30 minutes. This proximity to the state capital expands educational options significantly for Wakulla County residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Tallahassee/Crawfordville area compare to the Florida state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for schools like Maclay School is typically at or above the Florida private school average due to its college-prep focus and extensive facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 for lower grades to over $20,000 for upper school. Florida-specific financial considerations include the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options. These state-sponsored programs can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families based on income, making private education more accessible to Crawfordville residents. Each school also has its own need-based financial aid programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Crawfordville, FL, offer that leverage the local environment or capital city location?
Schools in the Tallahassee area offer unique programs tied to Florida's ecology and government. Maclay School, for instance, may integrate studies of the nearby Apalachicola National Forest or Wakulla Springs into its science curriculum. More prominently, schools like Community Leadership Academy and Holy Comforter often facilitate capital-based programs, including government internships, mock legislative sessions at the Capitol, and partnerships with Florida State University or Florida A&M University. This provides Crawfordville students with unparalleled access to civic engagement and higher education resources not typically found in smaller towns.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Maclay near Crawfordville, and when should Crawfordville parents begin?
The enrollment process for top-tier schools like Maclay and Holy Comforter is highly structured and competitive. Parents from Crawfordville should begin researching and touring schools 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key deadlines often fall between October and January for the following academic year. The process typically includes submitting an application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or school-specific assessments), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. Due to the commute, some schools may consider geographic proximity in waitlist situations, so early application is strongly advised for families outside the immediate Tallahassee area.
For a family in Crawfordville weighing options, what are the key differences between the local public schools (Wakulla County School District) and commuting to a private school in Tallahassee?
The key difference is the choice between a community-based public education and a specialized private education requiring a commute. Wakulla County Schools offer the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Opting for a Tallahassee private school involves a daily commute but provides access to different educational philosophies (e.g., Montessori at Holy Comforter, rigorous college-prep at Maclay), often smaller class sizes, and specialized facilities. For Crawfordville families, the decision often hinges on the value placed on specific religious instruction, advanced academic tracks, or extracurricular niches (like elite athletics or arts) not as readily available locally, balanced against the time and financial investment of the commute.
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